Lena Hackett, MPH,
President, Community Solutions, Inc.

CSI founder, Lena Hackett, has a broad background and extensive expertise in public policy, human services and community development. Through her work with various homeless service providers, the Indianapolis Blueprint to End Homelessness, and the National Bureau of Primary Healthcare, Lena has been an integral part of community change in the Indianapolis and national homeless communities. She has directed this experience into the work of the firm by looking for opportunities to make connections and create plans that are visionary and obtainable. Lena’s focus on results and desire to make a difference help keep the CSI team and its clients accountable to stakeholders, funders, and partners.

Lena is a graduate of Purdue University and holds a graduate degree in Public Health Policy from the University of Michigan.  Throughout her career, Lena has worked on issues of public health and public policy.  From working as a lobbyist for the local food bank, to operating a Healthcare for the Homeless program, to District Director for Congresswoman Julia Carson, she has worked to weave together public policy, public systems, and grassroots community work.  During this time, she has developed excellence in program development, innovative fund development, and collaboration building. 

In 2000, Lena founded Community Solutions, Inc., (CSI) a consulting firm that focuses on public health system redesign, community development and program sustainability for grassroots, regional, and national organizations.  Since 2001, Lena has served as the Indianapolis Local Coordinator for the Making Connections initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation.  In this role, she is responsible for the efficacy and quality of the work that is done in the targeted neighborhoods and on a citywide level.